Chris Johnson | Third Baseman

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Chris Johnson went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and a double as the Braves beat the Pirates 7-5 on Thursday.

Johnson was without an extra-base hit in 33 at-bats this spring before coming through today. Despite being one of the game's worst regulars last year, he hasn't had to compete for his starting job this spring, mostly because he got that nifty $23.5 million contract extension last May. He'll have some value in NL-only leagues. Mar 26 - 4:35 PM

Chris Johnson went 0-for-3 on Monday and is 3-for-20 with no extra-base hits this spring.

No walks either, but that probably goes without saying. Johnson hit just .263/.292/.361 last year and played his customary subpar defense at third base. The Braves appear to be stuck with him after signing him to a $23.5 million extension last May, so he'll get a lot of rope. He's probably going to need it. Mar 16 - 5:02 PM

Chris Johnson (wrist) will return to the Braves' Grapefruit League lineup on Wednesday.

Johnson has missed the last four games with soreness in his left wrist, which the Braves say was a result of extra batting cage work as he tries to get comfortable with mechanical changes. The good news is that it's not a long-term concern. Mar 10 - 3:52 PM

Chris Johnson (wrist) is expected to return to the Braves' Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday.

Johnson has been out for a couple of days with some minor soreness in his left wrist. He made big mechanical changes to his swing this winter, and the Braves are blaming all the extra batting cage work for the discomfort. Johnson should be fine. Mar 9 - 4:08 PM

Depth Charts

Joey Terdoslavich was given an injection over the weekend for his sore wrist.

Terdoslavich injured the wrist on March 21 when he dove for a ball in a Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals. The hope is that he'll be able to return to exhibition games this week. He had been hitting well this spring in his bid for an Opening Day roster spot.

The good news is that Simmons is killing the ball since returning from a strained oblique, batting .467 with 12 RBI in 30 at-bats. The bad is that manager Fredi Gonzalez seems to have had a change of heart about batting him second, what with Eric Young Jr. likely emerging as the leadoff man and Nick Markakis still needing to hit somewhere near the top. As a result, Simmons will find himself in the barren wasteland that is the bottom half of the Braves order. Maybe he'll drive in a tumbleweed now and again.

Nick Markakis (neck) is expected to play in a minor league game Thursday.

Markakis made his return from neck surgery this week and the Braves are trying to get him as many at-bats as possible before the start of the season. By playing in the minor league game, he should be able to get 5-7 at-bats. The expectation is that he will be ready for Opening Day.

Minor had to be shut down earlier this month after being diagnosed with inflammation in his left rotator cuff. He paid a visit to Dr. James Andrews, who found no structural damage. MLB.com's Mark Bowman says the Braves are optimistic Minor will be ready around late April or early May.